This blog is a place to archive project processes and techniques from Painted Threads with descriptions of how work was produced. I am including comments that contain questions and answers pertaining to the work from many of the original blog posts.

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Tsukineko Inks with Ink Potion No. 9 Tutorial

I just bought a relatively new product from Tsukineko Inks called Ink Potion no. 9 to find out how it works with the All Purpose Inks. One purpose of the solution is to help blend ink colors. From my estimation this could be a good alternative to working with aloe vera gel to lighten and blend colors.

I began this painting by lightly tracing the outline of a goldfish from a copyright free image onto white cotton fabric and gave the fabric a light spritz of Ink Potion.Using the Lemon Yellow ink and the brush tip Fantastix pen tool, I painted in all the light and dark areas of the fish.Next I used the Tangerine ink in the areas that are to be the darkest and used a very light touch to blend it with the Lemon Yellow in the lighter areas.Using the yellow ink again, I painted over the image to blend the colors and to deepen the golden hue.Next I used the color Autumn Leaf to deepen the darkest areas and help create more dimension by pushing up the contrast.

I used the Tangerine ink again to blend with the Autumn Leaf, making a smoother gradation and used a black fabric pen to add black to the eyes. At this point I heat set the fish with an iron set on cotton with a press cloth on top.For the water I used Tropical Lagoon, sprayed some Ink potion onto a tray and dipped the fantastix pen tool into the ink and then into solution on the tray. I noticed that this had the effect of lightening the ink color the more solution was mixed in and also making the ink cover a larger area of fabric with less stroke marks.I lightly spritzed the white fabric where I was applying the blue ink to help the color cover the area smoothly.I was working quickly and not too carefully and it ended up a little streaky, but I don't mind because it does look a little like there is movement in the water.

Hi Nancy, I think one of the cheaper priced spots to get it is createforless.com, I think Interweave has it on their site too.

I found that the ink potion works really well mixed with the inks using the fantastix, but if you are using a paintbrush, it is a little harder to control and can bleed on the fabric. I think it is because the fantastix hold the ink from flowing to quickly onto the fabric.

I suspect the potion is the ink base without the pigment, so it is kind of like adding extender to your textile paints.

I also wanted to say thanks for explaining your experiences especially with technique and products. It is so helpful to have some clue as to what might or could happen. I really love your work. I really appreciate your generosity of spirit.

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About Me

I’m an International award-winning mixed media textile artist, traveling globally to teach painting and mixed media techniques on fabric and lecture about my creative process. I received my BFA in graphic design from The Otis Art Institute of Parsons School of Design, but found my true passion when I began working with textiles.

One part gypsy and two parts visual alchemist, I travel to new places, opening up new realms of possibilities for my students by revealing endless ways to combine paint, paper and metal with fabric and the sources of inspiration we all too often overlook in our immediate worlds.